Each year, São Roque de Minas pulses with new life and the irresistible aroma of freshly aged Canastra cheese as the Annual Canastra Cheese Festival arrives. This event isn’t just a celebration of Minas Gerais’ prized delicacy—it’s an adventure of taste, landscape, and culture in the heart of Serra da Canastra National Park.

Set against the rugged backdrop of rolling hills and dense Atlantic Forest, the festival transforms the small town into a vibrant gathering spot for cheese makers, food lovers, and adventure seekers alike. The air carries the rich, earthy smell of raw milk cheese aging in traditional stone cellars, daring visitors to sample and savor the nuanced flavors that vary with altitude and season.

Beyond the tasting tents and lively markets, the region offers hiking routes that challenge and reward. Trails wind through forested paths where the trees lean close, whispering stories of the land, while rivers boast currents that push forward with a playful stubbornness. A favored hike near São Roque de Minas climbs approximately 350 meters over a 7-kilometer stretch, a moderate ascent through diverse terrain—from rocky outcrops to soft forest floors—that ends in sweeping views over the national park. Here, panoramas unfold, showing pasturelands dotted with cattle, traditional farms, and the twisting rivers that nurture the cheese’s unique character.

Preparation is key. Water and sturdy footwear will keep you comfortable as you navigate roots and occasional loose stones; consider trekking poles if your knees need support on descents. The best hiking window is early morning to avoid midday heat and afternoon storms common in the summer months.

The festival itself impresses with its blend of cultural displays, music, and hands-on workshops. Cheese masters share techniques refined over generations, while visitors learn to distinguish between different curings and pairings. Local vendors offer everything from freshly baked pão de queijo (cheese bread) to artisanal cachaça.

If you’re aiming for an immersive experience, time your visit during the festival (usually late January or early February). Expect lively crowds eager to discuss cheesemaking secrets, live folk music that lends a rhythmic heartbeat to the festivities, and an energized atmosphere that stays true to the spirit of Minas Gerais’ interior.

For those seeking a quieter encounter, the surrounding natural area offers peaceful early mornings and late afternoons when wildlife becomes active—watch for toucans darting through the canopy or the cautious approach of capuchin monkeys.

Concluding a day filled with cheese and trails, São Roque de Minas offers modest accommodations with hearty local breakfasts to recharge for more exploration. Whether you’re a casual visitor or a seasoned adventurer, the Annual Canastra Cheese Festival delivers a distinctly tangible connection to place, history, and craft—an experience built on respect for land and tradition, inviting you to taste and trek your way through Minas Gerais’ rugged soul.